Integrated fixing frame for a solar energy module

ABSTRACT

An integrated fixing frame for a solar energy module includes a frame body having a plurality of assembling frames which comprise a first sideboard, a second sideboard and an inner board. Wherein a curving rib is installed in between the first sideboard and second sideboard, and a locking chute is defined in between the second sideboard and the inner board. Relying upon the curving rib stated above, the assembling frame is able to resist the external forces efficiently, as well as the locking chute of the assembling frame which enables the solar panel to be fixed more stably, so that the fixing stability and the high external forces resistance can be achieved.

The present invention is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/686,374, filed on Mar. 15, 2007, and is herein incorporated in its entirety by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a fixing frame for a solar energy module. More particularly, the present invention relates to a frame that securely holds a solar panel.

2. Description of Related Art

A conventional fixing frame for a solar module as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 comprises a frame 30 having a supporting board 31 welded into place; a U-shaped chute 32 is located in the lower portion of the frame 30 and allows a solar panel 20 to be inserted into the chute 32 and fixed in the chute 32. Although the aforesaid frame accomplishes the function of fixing the solar module, it still has some improvable defects, such as:

1. Poor stability: The solar panel is fixed in the U-shape chute, and therefore there a minor interstice exists between the panel and the chute, resulting in instability.

2. Poor force resistance: The supporting board is fixed into the frame via a welding method, and thus when the frame is under stress, of either pulling forces or pressing forces, the supporting board will be broken at the welding points as a result of weakness in those areas.

The present invention is intended to improve upon the above mentioned drawbacks of the conventional fixing frame for the solar module. The present invention provides improvements so as to solve the problems of bad stability and poor force resistance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the present invention is providing an integrated fixing frame for a solar energy module, particularly for an aluminum alloy solar energy module, comprising: a frame body having a plurality of assembling frames which comprise a first sideboard, a second sideboard and an inner board; wherein, a curving rib is installed in between the first sideboard and second sideboard, and a locking chute is defined in between the second sideboard and the inner board which provides a solar panel to insert into the locking chute. Relying upon the curving rib stated above, the assembling frame is able to resist the external forces efficiently, as well as the locking chute of the assembling frame which enables the solar panel to be fixed more stably. In addition, the frame body is made of a high strength aluminum alloy which also ensures the stability and high force resistance.

Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the assembled frame of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a segmented view schematically showing the assembled frame, in partial, of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the assembled frame, in partial, of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the practical use of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a segmented view of the conventional fixing frame for a solar energy module; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the conventional fixing frame for a solar energy module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

While this invention is capable of embodiment in many different forms, shown in the drawings and herein described in detail is the preferred embodiment of the invention. The preferred embodiment is disclosed with the understanding that the present description is but one example of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the single embodiment illustrated.

FIGS. 1 to 3 are perspective, segmented perspective and sectional views schematically showing a fixing frame for a solar energy module of the present invention.

The frame comprises:

a frame body 1 having a plurality of assembling frames 10;

a plurality of assembling frames 10, each of them further comprises a first sideboard 11 and a second sideboard 12. Between the first sideboard 11 and the second sideboard 12, an inner board 13 is installed closing to the second sideboard 12. A curving rib 14 is installed in between the first sideboard 11 and the inner board 13, and it is shaped into a curving concave.

Moreover, a locking chute 15 is defined in between the second sideboard 12 and the inner board 13, meanwhile, locking flanges 120 and 130 are installed on the end-face of the second sideboard 12 and the inner board 13 respectively, and both of the locking flanges 120 and 130 are directed to the inner of the locking chute 15.

In addition, the frame body 1 is made of a high-strength aluminum alloy (aluminum alloy designations: 7050, 7075, 7150, 7175 and 7475, as per the 4-digit alloy designation system developed by the Aluminum Association “AA”).

In light of the structural description stated above, the present invention achieves the function of an integrated high strength aluminum alloy frame for the solar energy module.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are segmented and cross-sectional views, respectively, schematically showing a fixing frame for a solar energy module of the present invention. During assembly, the solar panel 20 is inserted into the locking chute 15 of the assembling frame 10 and its top edge and bottom edge are secured by the locking flanges 120 and 130 of the second sideboard 12 and inner board 13. In addition, the assembling frame 10 is able to resist the external forces by virtue of the curving rib which is installed in between the first sideboard 11 and the inner board 13, so that the fixing stability and the high external forces resistance are achieved.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the practical use of the present invention. Wherein, a multiple of fastener receiving apertures 16 are installed on the outer plate of the assembling frames 10; when the four segments of the assembling frame 10 have assembled as a frame, a fastener 160, e.g., a screw, is able to be fastened into said apertures 16 so that the frame becomes fixed.

In the light of the above, the advantages of the present invention include:

1. Good fixing stability: Because the locking flanges 120, 130 which are installed on the end-face of the second sideboard 12 and the inner board 13 respectively, when the solar panel 20 is inserted into the locking chute 15, the top edge and bottom edge of the solar panel 20 are therefore secured by such locking flanges 120, 130, further the fixing stability can be secured.

2. High force resistance: Because the curving rib 14 is integrally installed in between the first sideboard 11 and the inner board 13, which reinforces the assembling frame 10 to resist the external forces. When the frame body 1 is received the pulling forces or the pressing forces, the said curving rib 14 will sustain the stresses and prevent the frame body 1 from deformation or break, so the force resistance of the present invention is very high.

Although numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, this disclosure is one example only, and changes may be made with regard to specific details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts within the invention to the full extent indicated by the general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. 

1. A fixing frame for a solar energy module, comprising: a frame body having a plurality of assembling frames; a plurality of assembling frames, each of them further comprises a first sideboard and a second sideboard; between the first sideboard and the second sideboard, an inner board is installed, and a curving rib is installed in between the first sideboard and the inner board; moreover, a locking chute is defined in between the second sideboard and the inner board, meanwhile, locking flanges are installed on the end-face of the second sideboard and the inner board, respectively, and both of the locking flanges are directed to the inner of the locking chute.
 2. A frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein the curving rib is shaped into a curving concave and inserted in between the first sideboard and inner board.
 3. A frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein a multiple of fastener receiving apertures are installed on the outer plate of the assembling frames; when the segments of the assembling frame have assembled as a frame, fasteners are fastened into each of the said apertures, so that the frame becomes fixed.
 4. A frame as claimed in claim 3, wherein the fastener is a screw.
 5. A frame as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame body is made of a high strength aluminum alloy.
 6. A frame as claimed in claim 5, wherein the aluminum alloy designation is 7050, 7075, 7150, 7175 and
 7475. 